loader from loading.io

Hilton's New Terms, Hyatt Disappoints, Finding the Best Amex Deals, Redwood Train & UK Backtracks!

MTM Travel - The Fun Side of Points & Travel!

Release Date: 01/25/2025

The Latest Points Groupthink, Americans & Geography, Banned from Carnival & Capital One Travel Scam? show art The Latest Points Groupthink, Americans & Geography, Banned from Carnival & Capital One Travel Scam?

MTM Travel - The Fun Side of Points & Travel!

Get an easy $200 from Melio for making your first payment! (Affiliate link. Terms below) Episode Description This week Shawn is in Europe and he discusses a little of his trip including the Hyatt Regency Cologne, a couple of cool cathedrals and more. He also discusses how Capital One Travel and Hopper may have scammed him on his car rental booking and why you probably shouldn't use them. Other topics discussed include: Americans and geography, the recent Bilt/Accor deal and avoiding groupthink and why you might get banned for sharing your rule breaking hacks on the internet. Enjoying the...

info_outline
Behind the Epic Universe Hype, Epic for Miles/Points Nerds, Japan Trip Planning &  Co-Traveler Zen! show art Behind the Epic Universe Hype, Epic for Miles/Points Nerds, Japan Trip Planning & Co-Traveler Zen!

MTM Travel - The Fun Side of Points & Travel!

Get an easy $200 from Melio for making your first payment! (Affiliate link. Terms below) Episode Description This week Universal Epic Universe opened its doors. As the first major theme park to open in the United States since 2001 it is a big deal, but if you aren't a huge theme park nerd should it be on your radar? Joe attended the Epic Universe media preview while Shawn went as a normal guest. You can listen to a more in depth nerdy conversation about the park on this week's Disney Deciphered, but on this show we discuss what it was like doing the media preview, what sort of hype is...

info_outline
Hilton Devalues Again, Last Minute Business Class for 3, Amex to Alaska Ending Soon & Valuing Points show art Hilton Devalues Again, Last Minute Business Class for 3, Amex to Alaska Ending Soon & Valuing Points

MTM Travel - The Fun Side of Points & Travel!

Get an easy $200 from Melio for making your first payment! (Affiliate link. Terms below) Episode Description This week Shawn and Mark discuss some interesting items in the news. Amex is now offering perks for downgrading cards, but there is a catch. They also discuss the end of Amex to Alaska via Hawaiian and how Hilton's recent devaluation is shocking in many ways. Are Hilton's points worth anything and why their certs have become even better.   In other news Shawn goes over his upcoming trip to Europe including how the itinerary is shaping up last minute and why this way of booking...

info_outline
Insane Chase Sapphire Rumor, Rejecting Airport Lounges, Hyatt Crackdown & No Real ID Meltdown? show art Insane Chase Sapphire Rumor, Rejecting Airport Lounges, Hyatt Crackdown & No Real ID Meltdown?

MTM Travel - The Fun Side of Points & Travel!

Get an easy $200 from Melio for making your first payment! (Affiliate link. Terms below) Episode Description This week Mark and Shawn discuss a number of interesting topics in the travel realm including the rumored upcoming changes to Chase's premium flagship card Sapphire Reserve. As part of the rumors the fee is going way up and some benefits are being cut, but they are adding a lot. If this rumor proves true will this card be worth pursuing?   We also discuss the overall rejection of airport lounges in the travel space. Are weary travelers just too picky or have lounges jumped the...

info_outline
Cardless No More, Earn Amex Points With A Chase Card, Dueling Coastal Trips & Hyatt House Woes show art Cardless No More, Earn Amex Points With A Chase Card, Dueling Coastal Trips & Hyatt House Woes

MTM Travel - The Fun Side of Points & Travel!

Get an easy $200 from Melio for making your first payment! (Affiliate link. Terms below) Episode Description This week Mark and Shawn crossed paths to head towards opposite coasts for miles & points meetups. On this show they'll discuss their respective trips to Monterrey, CA and Virginia Beach, VA including the hotels and what they enjoyed along the way. Shawn also provides a tip for getting your digital priority pass quickly, Cardless has gotten much better, Rakuten is giving Amex points for getting a Chase card and why Mark likes Hilton Garden Inn.   Enjoying the podcast?...

info_outline
Cap One's Giant 400K Bonus, Misleading Travel Ads, MGM Goes Iconic & Insane Food Presentations! show art Cap One's Giant 400K Bonus, Misleading Travel Ads, MGM Goes Iconic & Insane Food Presentations!

MTM Travel - The Fun Side of Points & Travel!

Get an easy $200 from Melio for making your first payment! (Affiliate link. Terms below) Episode Description This week several new card offers came out along with some that are ending. MGM launched their interesting Iconic card which gives you a path towards spending to higher status in a much better way. Capital One also released a 350K/400K offer that isn't for the faint of heart while IHG's record 200K bonus is ending soon.   In other #news digital arrival cards are spreading across the world and one of the most popular tourist destinations has now implemented one. We also discuss:...

info_outline
Last Minute Last Minute "Free" Trip to Europe, Economy vs. Business, Having 6 Hilton Cards & An Epic Detour

MTM Travel - The Fun Side of Points & Travel!

Get an easy $200 from Melio for making your first payment! (Affiliate link. Terms below) https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam Episode Description On this episode of MTM Travel Shawn and Mark discuss last minute plans including Shawn's "free" cruise and his upcoming trip to Europe. Economy vs. business, flying into other airports, repositioning and calculating fuel surcharges are all factors, but what is the best option? We also discuss why you may want tons of Hilton credit cards and the headache they bring, Shawn's upcoming visit to Epic Universe, picking Orlando hotels and...

info_outline
250K Bonus + Kicker, Hilton's Best U.S. Redemption, Safety of Helicopters & 250K Bonus + Kicker, Hilton's Best U.S. Redemption, Safety of Helicopters & "Free" Money from Wells!

MTM Travel - The Fun Side of Points & Travel!

Get an easy $200 from Melio for making your first payment! (Affiliate link. Terms below) Episode Description This week several increased card offers came out including a new version of Amex's popular "no lifetime language" Business Platinum offer. Find out how to see if you are targeted for 250K points plus a new type of kicker. Other offers include Marriott's new hybrid 3 nights + 50K and AA's 75K business card.   In other news Brazil now has an e-visa but we will show you how to get it. We also discuss: food at the Masters, very good Wells Fargo checking bonuses, safety of...

info_outline
AA Does Good, Madness of Apps, Chinese Social Media Response & Universal's Epic Expansion! show art AA Does Good, Madness of Apps, Chinese Social Media Response & Universal's Epic Expansion!

MTM Travel - The Fun Side of Points & Travel!

Get an easy $200 from Melio for making your first payment! (Affiliate link. Terms below) https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam Episode Description On this episode of MTM Travel Shawn and Mark follow up on Mark's AA status match "battle" including a great resolution and some tips if you are in the same position. They also discuss the prevalence of service apps and how they just aren't working out, Universal's crazy expansions including their brand new Epic Universe theme park and Universal Studios Great Britain plus how Chinese manufacturers are taking to social media to fight...

info_outline
Big Amex Downgrades, Airline Status Matches Galore, Chase's HUGE Deal & Travel Treasure Hunting! show art Big Amex Downgrades, Airline Status Matches Galore, Chase's HUGE Deal & Travel Treasure Hunting!

MTM Travel - The Fun Side of Points & Travel!

Get an easy $200 from Melio for making your first payment! (Affiliate link. Terms below) Episode Description This week we learned of some expected changes coming to the American Express Business Platinum card. With the addition of Hilton credits last year, we have now seen a downgrade to other popular benefits including the Dell credit. Is it worth getting and keeping after all of this?   In other news Chase has released an increased value offer for some cardholders using Chase Travel. This is good and you'll want to see if you are targeted. We also discuss: matching welcome offers,...

info_outline
 
More Episodes

Get an easy $200 from Melio for making your first payment! (Affiliate link. Terms below) https://affiliates.meliopayments.com/travelonpointsteam

Episode Description

This week Hilton was in the news as they added some terms that change the way lounge access is given to elites. Specifically they excluded some hotels, but is this really new or are they just updating policies that have already existed? Plus which elite status actually gets you guaranteed lounge access?
 
In other news the UK has backtracked a bit on their e-visa and transit passengers. Find out what you need to know if you are heading to the UK. We also discuss United's double billing problem, where to find the best Amex welcome offer deals, a cool bar in the middle of a redwood forest, Hyatt disappointing Bonus Journey promotion and why it could be cheaper to live on a cruise ship.
 
Episode Guide
  • 0:00 Living on a cruise ship - Cheaper than living in Manhattan?
  • 0:51 UK’s e-visa backtrack
  • 2:22 Tip for faster transit when in London Heathrow
  • 3:36 Hilton makes changes to lounge access terms
  • 6:01 Alaska Airlines 75K Business card offer + “World Famous Companion Fare”
  • 7:18 Tricks for getting approved for Bank of America credit cards
  • 8:05 Where to find the best American Express card offers
  • 10:25 Hyatt Bonus Journeys promo is here
  • 11:55 United TravelBank double billing issue
  • 13:46 Cool S - Bar in the middle of the redwood forest
  • 15:10 The majesty of redwood forests

Links

Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at [email protected]

You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know!